Major mobile service providers such as VinaPhone, Viettel and MobiFone have completed preparations for mobile number portability (MNP) which allows subscribers to retain their phone numbers when switching carriers.

VinaPhone has improved technical infrastructure and customer services, and connected data to provide mobile number portability (MNP) service

MNP available from December 31 will help boost the competitiveness of the telecom market and lead mobile carriers to improve the quality of their services to keep their clients.

According to the Telecommunications Authority, mobile subscribers without accurate personal data cannot use the MNP service. In addition, only subscribers with numbers having been activated for at least 90 days can switch to other networks, said a circular on MNP of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Customers participating in promotional programs with conditions to use services of the providers for a specific period of time can ask for MNP service after fulfilling the service contract. For example, a customer buying a smartphone at a discount price from a carrier is required to use that carrier’s service for six to 12 months, and he or she cannot switch mobile networks until the requirement is fulfilled.

VinaPhone, Viettel and MobiFone have tested MNP service and have had their networks connected to the national mobile switching center under the Ministry of Information and Communications this month.

However, two other mobile service providers Vietnamobile and GTel have not been connected to the center as they need more time to invest in technical infrastructure.

Service providers will help customers switch to other networks within seven working days from the time a MNP request is submitted.

While the MNP service is good news for some subscribers, others said they are using the SIM cards of different mobile service providers at the moment, so MNP is unnecessary.

SGT